Owning a home or renting a place is most likely one of the greatest things about being in college. Students don’t have to live in a dorm anymore and are most likely doing it with a group of friends. They are now free to come and go, have over anyone they want and even have parties. But, living in a house comes with more than just the freedom of being away from college or home.

Despite what is done on the property, it is still the owner’s or the renter’s responsibility. It is theirs to use, to tend to and cleanup. Whatever is outside of the house but in the yard is still considered “on the property” and the owner will have to take responsibility for it. They need to remember that when the party spills out into the yard, it is still on their property and the police will report it that way.

There have been issues lately with discrepancies in the Campus Police blotter that is posted online for the public to see. Sororities and fraternities are being listed on the blotter location of a reported incident, but are claiming they are not involved with the report. There has never been an issue with how the location is noted on the blotter before this year, although the policy has never changed. The blotter has always been public record and is available to be printed freely.

To combat possible misunderstandings, homeowners and renters should aim to keep the party in or near the house. The party will be more manageable and the owner or renter will still be able to see who is there and what they are doing. Keeping close tabs on what is going on will give them more control on what is allowed and they can enforce rules to protect their own reputation. They should also make sure visitors come and vacate the property when the party or event is over, to protect the owner’s or renter’s reputation.

Campus Police should make sure they are being as detailed and specific, as far as location and what goes in their narrative. This will ensure their report is accurate and does not misconstrue what happened where.

Homeowners and renters should be aware of their property and their responsibilities, as well as their rights. Campus Police should work to be as specific as possible in their reports to ensure the right people are being targeted and accused. Together, they can work to ensure the situation is fair on both sides and the facts are supported.